Marine Science Minute
![Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant man holding sargassum seaweed](https://www.flseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sargassum.two_.species.large_by_GCRL_20582328484_2_Wiki-commons-150x150.jpg)
Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant
Episode 8 - Sargassum
/
Today on Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant: Sargassum.
Sargassum, a free-floating brown seaweed, has received lots of media attention in recent years. This is a naturally occurring species that originates in the eastern Atlantic in an area known as the Sargasso Sea. This drifting seaweed creates habitat for fish, crabs, and even juvenile sea turtles. Â
When sargassum lands on local beaches, it often becomes stranded and decomposes, creating a challenge for beach managers. New research has shown the potential of sargassum to serve as an additive to compost material for landscaping, creating a new end use for the seaweed.Â
Florida Sea Grant assists resource managers with providing current sargassum research and recommending best management practices for handling sargassum. Â
For more information about this and other coastal topics, contact your county extension office or visit Florida Sea Grant at flseagrant.org.
![sargassum seaweed](https://www.flseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sargasso_seaweed_detail_Wiki-commons-1.jpg)
Photo of sargassum seaweed. Photo credit Wikimedia Commons.
Related Content
Season 1
Explore
Episodes
Learn about all things marine and coastal science by listening to other episodes from this season of Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant.